Isolation refers to the electrical and physical separation of individual components or points in a circuit. Isolation is used in power circuits, high-speed and long-distance communications. There are five types of insulation: Functional insulation, Basic insulation, Supplementary insulation, Double insulation, and Reinforced insulation. The commonly used insulation methods are galvanic, optical, magnetic, and capacitive insulations.
When used in high-voltage power circuits, the isolation prevents equipment malfunctions and electric shock to users due to current surges, etc. In high-speed and long-distance communications, it prevents noise caused by ground loops by separating the ground connections between communication points.
The isolation system is mostly used in programmable power supplies or motor control systems, industrial sensors and various interfaces, and measurement devices. Isolators have certain important parameters to select: power supply current, input signal current, and ranges of power supply and signal voltage. Creepage and clearance distances are also important parameters.
Isolation is implemented using components such as isolation amplifiers, digital isolators, optocouplers (photocouplers), transformers, and coils. These components must adhere to specific standards depending on their application in various fields, such as industrial, information technology, medical, consumer, measurement, control, and telecommunications.
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